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The 

Religion of Odd Fellowship 



BY 
Rev. Claude Enoch Sayre, Ph.D., 

Past Grand, Elliott Lodge, No. 359, I. O. O. F. 
Representative to the Grand Lodge, 191 1 and 1912 




Dayton, Ohio 

The Otterbein Press 

1912 



Copyright, 1912 

By Claude Enoch Sayre 

Freeport, Illinois 



t'S 



6&A319579 



PREFACE 

THIS book is the outgrowth of several 
years' experience with the work of secret 
societies. For a number of years the 
author has deplored the lack of information 
upon the secret-society question by people of 
great intelligence on other questions. 

Much has been written against secret socie- 
ties by men who have not taken the time to 
make proper investigation, and in this manner 
some have been prejudiced against these organ- 
izations, who, if they knew the truth, would 
not offer criticism. This book is intended as 
a partial reply to the bitter attacks made 
upon the Independent Order of Odd Fellows 
and other societies of like character. It is 
right that the public should know the truth, 
and this I have endeavored to set forth in as 
clear a manner as possible. 

A great portion of the material contained in 
this book has been used by the author in lec- 
turing to secret societies, but more especially to 
the Odd Fellows. The cordial reception given 
3 



these addresses has in a measure encouraged 
the writer to prepare this volume. 

It is not the intention of the author to say 
or do anything that would alienate men from 
the church, or cause them to think less of that 
God-ordained institution. It is his object to 
show that there is a place for the lodge and 
its work. 

It is hoped that this little book will serve as 
an encouragement to every secret-society mem- 
ber, also that it may be the means of helping 
the non-member to see the light. 

— Author. 



CONTENTS 

Chapter I. 
Odd Fellowship and the Church. 

Chapter II. 
Odd Fellozvship and Morality. 

Chapter III. 
Odd Fellowship and Society. 

Chapter IV. 
Odd Fellozvship and Charity. 

Chapter V. 
Odd Fellowship and the Home. 

Chapter VI. 
The Three Links of Odd Fellowship. 

Chapter VII. 
Odd Fellozvship and Women. 

Chapter VIII. 
Patriarchal Odd Fellowship. 

Chapter IX. 
The Future of Odd Fellowship. 



The Religion of Odd Fellowship 



M 



CHAPTER I. 
ODD FELLOWSHIP AND THE CHURCH 

P UCH has been written and spoken 
against secret societies. Men who 
have no conception whatever as to 
the true inner workings of these societies have 
condemned them bitterly. In the great major- 
ity of cases we find only men who have no true 
knowledge of secret societies heaping tirades 
of abuse and slander upon them. An honest 
man cannot consistently condemn the work of 
a society like the Independent Order of Odd 
Fellows, or the Masonic fraternity, when he 
once knows what these organizations stand 
for, what they attempt to do, and what they 
really do accomplish. 

Some men have written books and quite long 
articles setting forth the sin of becoming a 
member of a secret organization; they have 
gone so far as to tell about the treasonable and 
irreligious obligations one must take in order 
to become a member. We need only consider 
that these men never have been members of 



10 The Religion of Odd Fellowship 

the societies which they are ridiculing and 
abusing, and therefore they know nothing, or 
next to nothing, of the thing about which they 
are trying to inform the public. If these same 
men could see a degree conferred, and have 
the privilege of witnessing the decorum and 
splendid disciplinary work exemplified in a 
lodge room, nothing more in the way of con- 
demnation would be heard. 

Ignorance has been one of the obstacles 
encountered in all true advancement and prog- 
ress, and no doubt will continue to exert its 
influence in the future. 

Ignorance and superstition have as much to 
do in bringing secret societies into disfavor as 
anything else that we may name, perhaps more. 
There is as much superstition and ignorance 
connected with the assertions that secret so- 
cieties are wicked and sinful as there was in 
the belief in ghosts and witches. It makes the 
heart ache and the blood run cold to think of 
the punishment inflicted upon innocent persons 
who were supposed to be witches. In this 
day of civilization and education, it would 
seem quite impossible that any member of the 
human family could become so superstitious; 



The Religion of Odd Fellowship 11 

but some in the twentieth century, this age of 
books, magazines, colleges, lecture courses, 
and everything else intended to enlighten the 
mind and bring man to complete development, 
manifest just as great a degree of superstition 
in the condemnation of secret societies. 

It seems quite unreasonable to think of any 
man or woman condemning organizations that 
have in them a tendency to make men better, 
to solve some of the perplexing problems of 
society, to edify the human family; but such 
is being done by every individual who stig- 
matizes the secret society. There is just as 
much good common sense in condemning the 
church as there is in placing condemnation 
upon these organizations. 

If there could be found one principle in 
these societies, or one characteristic that would 
have a tendency to mar the character or make 
vagabonds, scalawags, or infidels, then a good 
Christian person would have some ground 
upon which to base his censure; but, as long 
as it can be demonstrated conclusively that the 
tendency is to make men better, and to lead 
them to God and the things of God, there is 
no reason for condemnation. 



12 The Religion of Odd Fellowship 

It has been urged time and again that the 
secret society is against the church, and that 
its chief object is to supplant the church of 
Jesus Christ. Nothing could be farther from 
the truth. Odd Fellowship does not have a 
fight against the church ; rather does it have 
interests in common with the church. The 
business of the church is to save men, to lift 
them up, and make them better in every con- 
ceivable way; but the church is not the only 
instrumentality through and by which God can 
accomplish his purpose in regard to the pres- 
ervation and salvation of his children. Our 
Heavenly Father works through various or- 
ganizations to bring about the present and 
future welfare of his sons and daughters. If 
a man can be brought into fellowship with God 
through the secret society, well and good. In 
many instances the church fails to reach men 
at all. It is immaterial through and by what 
means good is done; the individual, organiza- 
tion, or society bringing about such good will 
be rewarded. We must get away from the 
old-fogy idea that there is but one organization 
upon which God places his divine seal of ap- 
proval. In this century we need to be broad 



The Religion of Odd Fellowship 13 

and liberal, and to accept good for its full 
value wherever found. If good is done by the 
secret society, let the Christian man take cog- 
nizance of it and place his sanction and ap- 
proval upon it. 

It seems hardly necessary to say that all the 
teachings of Odd Fellowship, as well as of 
every other secret society of which I have . 
knowledge, is purely religious and in strict 
accord with the teachings of Christianity. To 
the uninformed and superstitious this may 
seem idle, and like a fairy story; nevertheless, 
thousands of secret-society members will bear 
me out in this assertion. It is to be consid- 
ered that many, if not the majority of secret- 
society members, are also members of the 
church and are faithful attendants. Some of 
the best men in the church and public life are 
connected with Odd Fellowship, and will tes- 
tify gladly to its good qualities and splendid 
work. It is evident that, if anything humiliat- 
ing or degrading were connected with this 
society, or anything that would subtract from 
the influence of the church, these men would 
not remain members. I do not find anything 
in the Bible or the teaching of Christianity 



14 The Religion of Odd Fellowship 

that disapproves of Odd Fellowship or secret 
societies in general. Odd Fellowship does not 
have a principle or a lesson that will make a 
man less Christian or less religious. The ini- 
tiation, instruction, lectures, and obligations 
have a tendency to inculcate a veneration for 
religion and the higher and nobler things of 
life. A man cannot be initiated into the 
mysteries of Odd Fellowship without becom- 
ing a better man, without holding the Bible in 
greater reverence, and without appreciating 
the goodness and greatness of God with a 
higher degree of intelligence. If the splendid 
lessons taught by this noble fraternity fail to 
bring man to think seriously upon his mortal- 
ity, and to think of a life beyond the grave, 
then there are few other things in the world 
that will influence him. 

It is not the intention of the author to say 
anything disparaging to the church, but rather 
to hold it up as the greatest institution in the 
world. We recognize the home as first in our 
lives, and the church as second; but after this 
there is a place for the lodge. The church 
always will hold a supreme place in the hearts 
and lives of all good people, and the institution 



The Religion of Odd Fellowship 15 

or organization that tries to subtract from its 
influence and supplant it in its work is destined 
to criticism, and eventually will meet its fate, 
and rightly, too. The church is of divine 
origin, and has the sanction of the Creator, 
who rules over all in a wise and prudent man- 
ner, and is appointed to endure until time shall 
be no more. All good Odd Fellows believe in 
the church, and will not by word or deed try 
to teach otherwise. If the church had done 
its full duty, such organizations as secret socie- 
ties never would have existed. We shall see 
in another chapter why this is so. 

The fact that Odd Fellowship has prospered 
in the past, and is prospering more to-day than 
ever before, is evidence that it supplies a need 
or desire of men. Men do not, as a usual 
thing, connect themselves with a society that 
has a tendency to corrupt morals and alienate 
them from their homes and families. Taking 
this into consideration, and looking upon the 
marvelous growth of this organization, we can 
but believe that Odd Fellowship also meets 
with the sanction and approval of Almighty 
God. To some it may seem sacrilegious and 
ridiculous to assert that every lodge of Odd 



16 The Religion of Odd Fellowship 

Fellows is a religious organization, but I say 
it with a clear conscience and without fear of 
successful contradiction. It may be urged 
by some that some lodge members are not 
Christians; on the other hand, I may urge 
that some church members are not Christians, 
which is a recognized truth. There is a wide 
difference in being religious and Christian, but 
this is a theological question, which I will 
permit the theologians to discuss. I do not 
say that all Odd Fellows are Christians, but I 
do insist that the organization is religious and 
founded upon religious principles, and that its 
work is carried on in a religious manner. 

Upon what ground can any one condemn 
Odd Fellowship? Who can condemn wil- 
fully such an organization? Surely, it is the 
height of folly and a mark of ignorance to 
try to bring into disrepute and disfavor a fra- 
ternity like the Independent Order of Odd 
Fellows. 

However strange it may seem to some, there 
are no infidels among Odd Fellows. In many 
of the churches we find all manner of false 
doctrines. Men who are ordained to preach 
the glad tidings of great joy disbelieve the 



The Religion of Odd Fellowship 17 

Bible, deny some of the essential teachings of 
Christ, and have only a vague idea concerning 
the Deity. This is not true generally, but in 
many instances it is the case. But go into an 
Odd Fellows' hall wherever you may, and one 
of the first principles found is the instruction 
relative to the existence of a God who rules 
over all; who created the world and holds the 
reins of the government in his hands ; and who 
doeth all things well. The first question asked 
an applicant seeking membership and desiring 
to know the secrets of Odd Fellowship is, "Do 
you believe in the existence of a Supreme 
Being?" If this question is answered in the 
negative, the applicant never knows what a 
lodge of Odd Fellows is like. Some might 
think that this is a non-essential, and never is 
practiced ; but suffice it to say that every appli- 
cant travels over the same road in exactly the 
same manner. No favors are shown and no 
bars are lowered for the benefit of any one. 
Man has in his nature a thirst for God. 
Wherever men have been found, notwithstand- 
ing their ignorance, they have had an idea 
concerning a Supreme Being, a God who rules 
over them. It is not very probable that a 



18 The Religion of Odd Fellowship 

body of men, who hold God in such esteem and 
reverence and veneration as the Odd Fellows, 
will teach principles or doctrines that are detri- 
mental to the welfare of the family, home, or 
church. The wife and children of an Odd 
Fellow may rest assured that the husband and 
father never will have instruction imparted to 
him that will destroy his love for his family. 
Belief in God is essential to church member- 
ship and it is essential to lodge membership. 
It is very apparent that there is a similarity 
existing between the lodge and the church. 

But the principles already enumerated are 
not the only ones that cause us to see the simi- 
larity existing between the church and the 
lodge. There are many features that are very 
much alike. It is strange how some church 
members, and especially ministers, seemingly 
take delight in ridiculing the secret society. 
There is about as much consistency in a man's 
heaping tirades of abuse and slander upon him- 
self as for the church member to condemn the 
lodge member. 

In every lodge the Holy Bible is spread upon 
the altar, without which the lodge cannot trans- 
act business legally. The Bible is given as the 



The Religion of Odd Fellowship 19 

rule and guide of our faith, and cannot be 
dispensed with in the halls of an Odd Fellows' 
lodge. A great portion of the work in the 
degrees is taken directly from the Bible and 
is conducted in a beautiful manner. The les- 
sons taught at this time are written upon the 
mind of the candidate so indelibly that they 
become a very part of his nature. I do not 
understand how it can harm a man to go to a 
lodge and witness Bible lessons any more than 
he could be harmed at church. Many men 
who work in the degree teams of the various 
lodges can put most of preachers to shame in 
quoting the Bible. The great essential of this 
life is to know and appreciate the Word of 
God, and it is not essential where we learn it, 
whether in Sunday school, church, or lodge. 
The great Teacher has exhorted us to "search 
the scriptures ; for in them ye think ye have 
eternal life." Is it not much better to read 
and study the Bible in the lodge than to neg- 
lect it entirely, as some do? If men read the 
Scriptures and hear them read, they will learn 
to respect them. It is the man who is igno- 
rant of the Bible and its teachings who holds it 
in disrespect and ignores its instruction. Let 



20 The Religion of Odd Fellowship 

a man become acquainted with this splendid 
book, and he will become a better man. If 
this is so, and none will doubt its truth, why 
should lodges be condemned? Is it not possi- 
ble that they may be the means of bringing 
some skeptical men to a knowledge of the 
truth and to true salvation? If the skeptical 
could stand in a lodge room and see the can- 
didate weep when taking his degrees, he could 
but believe that the lodge accomplishes a great 
deal more good than it does harm. I have 
been a minister of the gospel for fourteen 
years, and am frank to confess that I have 
received some Biblical lessons in the lodge 
room that have revealed a new phase of many 
things relative to the Bible and the teaching 
of Christianity. 

The splendid lessons inculcated in a lodge 
room in the exemplification of the ritualistic 
work are most impressive and edifying. If 
church services were made half as interesting 
and impressive, there would not be so much 
difficulty experienced in getting and holding a 
congregation. The lodge meetings are opened 
with prayer and song — another thing that the 
Christian man and woman should not fail to 



The Religion of Odd Fellowship 21 

recognize. I cannot conceive of a man's going 
very far astray when under such influences and 
when reminded constantly of Deity. I can 
but think that many men have been brought 
into the church through the influence of the 
secret society. Surely none have been entirely 
alienated from the church through these or- 
ganizations. 

Odd Fellowship is calculated to bring man 
into a closer relationship and fellowship with 
God. Every good and honest man ought to 
take into consideration that it is his duty to 
promulgate the organization or society that 
has for its object the elevation and betterment 
of the human family. There are not too 
many influences at work to develop society and 
bring about the golden age for which we all 
pray and work. That which will bind men 
closer together, and make them feel an obliga- 
tion to one another and to society at large, is 
doing a commendable work and should have 
the encouragement of all men. Odd Fellow- 
ship does attempt to do these things, and for 
this reason should have the hearty cooperation 
and influence of all religious persons. 



22 The Religion of Odd Fellowship 

The most unwise thing that the church can 
do is to abuse the secret society and pronounce 
it irreligious. When skeptical preachers and 
church members will take the time to make 
proper investigation of the work of Odd Fel- 
lowship, they will readily ascertain that the 
work done by this organization is truly reli- 
gious in its character and influence. The con- 
duct of this society will bear the most rigid 
and scrutinizing examination. After most 
thorough examination, it will be held in higher 
esteem by those who have been doubtful about 
the good work purported to be done by this 
fraternity. 

Let the reader bear in mind that this insti- 
tution is founded upon faith in God, that it 
holds the Bible in sacred reverence, and that 
it places its seal of approval upon everything 
of a Christian and religious nature. Odd Fel- 
lowship will make man more religious rather 
than less religious. It will draw him to God 
rather than away from God. It will bring 
about an appreciation of the divine Word, and 
cause men to take delight in its lessons and 
sublime truths. Do not be too severe in your 
criticisms until you have taken the necessary 



The Religion of Odd Fellowship 23 

time to ascertain the truth about the principles 
of this good and noble order. 

The non-member who is going about the 
country trying to get the public to disbelieve 
in secrecy is simply making a display of his 
ignorance. He does not know, and cannot 
know the truth about any society until he is 
initiated. After that there will be no disposi- 
tion to criticize or find fault with Odd Fel- 
lowship. The public is warned to beware of 
the individual who is going about the country 
telling of the sins of secret societies. His 
arguments are without foundation and his 
assertions fallacious. 



CHAPTER II. 
ODD FELLOWSHIP AND MORALITY 

IN THE previous chapter the assertion was 
made that Odd Fellowship is a religious 
organization, and that it stands only for 
noble principles. But some religious princi- 
ples and religions are not good. It might be 
urged that, if Odd Fellowship is a religion or 
a religious organization, it is not good, and 
therefore ought not to have the right to exist, 
or should not, at least, be held in respect and 
esteem by those who are truly religious and 
adhere to strict moral teachings. Some of the 
most indecent and preposterous things recorded 
in history have been done in the name of 
religion. 

We do not care so much, however, about 
that which is termed religious as we do about 
that which we denominate Christian. The 
principles of some religions are everything else 
but moral and edifying, but those taught by 
the great Teacher are always of a moral char- 
acter and always have a tendency to make the 



The Religion of Odd Fellowship 25 

world better. I desire to go a little farther 
here and make the assertion that the principles 
of Odd Fellowship are not only of a religious 
nature, but are in strict accord with those of 
the religion of Jesus Christ. Lodge members 
are taught the Golden Rule, which by the way 
is a good rule, and is conducive to good results 
in every one's life who applies it to his every- 
day transactions. If every man who takes the 
obligations necessary to become affiliated with 
a lodge of Odd Fellows lives up to the lessons 
taught, he cannot be a bad man, but will be a 
good, upright, moral citizen. 

The world seems to be thirsting after every 
society or organization that will help men to 
be better. We have temperance bands, civic 
and philanthropic organizations, humane socie- 
ties, and institutions of every type, each pur- 
porting to do its full share toward bettering 
living conditions for the human family. While 
Odd Fellowship does not sound a trumpet and 
declare in a loud voice that it is the only 
society, yet it does declare that it is doing as 
much as any other society to alleviate human 
suffering and distress and to make men better. 
Nothing connected with the work of the lodge, 



26 The Religion of Odd Fellowship 

and nothing in its instruction leads to immo- 
rality. 

Men who belong to the lodge have been 
accused of everything vicious and immoral. 
It has been suggested very frequently by skep- 
tical cranks who take delight in telling about 
the sins of secret societies that the lodge room 
is an indecent and immoral place and ought 
not to be countenanced by good citizens. The 
reader, no doubt, has heard it said time and 
again that drinking and gambling are carried 
on in the lodge room. There is not a word of 
truth in such an accusation. The laws of Odd 
Fellowship positively prohibit such conduct in 
the lodge room. A mighty temperance wave 
has been sweeping over this entire country, 
and thousands of saloons have been eliminated 
from our cities. Various influences have been 
at work to bring about this victorious achieve- 
ment, ft might be suggested that men are 
more alive to this question to-day than ever 
before. It may be startling to assert that 
secret societies have had as much to do, if 
not more, in bringing about these splendid 
things as any other organization in the world, 
yet I believe such to be true. 



The Religion of Odd Fellowship 27 

Secret societies do not advocate liquor or 
the liquor business. Odd Fellowship is far 
ahead of some churches in this respect. A 
saloon-keeper, bartender, habitual drunkard, 
or a professional gambler cannot become a 
member of this order. If a member of this 
society becomes a drunkard, or drinks exces- 
sively, he is reprimanded severely, or perhaps 
suspended ; or, after the third offense, may be 
expelled from the order. This surely ought 
to convince any one that this organization is 
doing great good, especially along this particu- 
lar line of work, if nothing more were consid- 
ered. 

Nothing is done or said in the initiatory 
work that would shock the modesty of the 
most highly cultured or refined man or woman. 
The work is beautiful and sublime in its 
nature, and is intended to teach moral and 
religious lessons. A man who has taken the 
lessons taught in an Odd Fellows' hall surely 
will become a better man, citizen, husband, and 
father. We war against vice in all its forms. 
There is not a sin that Odd Fellowship places 
its sanction upon. Like the church, it con- 
demns wrong in all its forms, and seeks to 



28 The Religion of Odd Fellowship 

make man what he should be in the sight of 
God. Odd Fellowship does indeed seek to 
improve and elevate the character of man ; to 
imbue him with a proper conception of his 
capabilities for good ; to enlighten his mind ; 
and to enlarge his sphere of affections. 

I look upon secret societies as character 
builders. In the great majority of cases we 
become like those with whom we associate. 
We try to model our life after that of some 
well-known person. The acts, deeds, and ex- 
amples set by this person either will make or 
unmake an associate. If we all were to try 
to assist our fellowman on the upward path, 
our lives would be fuller of blessings and we 
would be more Christ-like. 

I have seen more than one demonstration of 
the fact that the teaching and principles of 
Odd Fellowship do help men to live better 
lives. Those who are in doubt need only to 
look about them to find practical examples of 
this truth every day. Thousands of men owe 
everything that they have and are to the 
splendid influence, counsel, and advice received 
in a lodge of Odd Fellows. 



The Religion of Odd Fellowship 29 

No one need be ashamed to wear the badge 
of Odd Fellowship. It is an honor that we 
may feel proud of, indeed, a distinction. I 
feel that every influence which will help my 
brother to higher ideals in life, and draw from 
him that latent force for good that is possessed 
by all, is accomplishing a noble work and right- 
fully deserves the prestige and influence of my 
life. I thank God that it is possible for me to 
see good emanating from a lodge of Odd Fel- 
lows. How grand it is to see brethren dwell- 
ing together in unity and meeting as brothers 
for the purpose of mutual assistance and pro- 
tection. Some of the most impressive lessons 
of my life have been learned in the lodge room, 
and I do not hesitate to say that the lodge is 
doing great things for men. 

Along every line of religious thought and 
life Odd Fellowship teaches its splendid les- 
sons. This great and noble order, as a society, 
respects and honors the Sabbath day as 
divinely appointed for rest and worship. It 
is not possible for a lodge of Odd Fellows to 
hold a Sunday picnic in the name of Odd Fel- 
lowship, or to go on a Sunday excursion in the 
name of the society. This is better than 



30 The Religion of Odd Fellowship 

some churches do along this line. I have 
known of churches and Sunday schools char- 
tering boats or trains and going upon a Sun- 
day excursion or picnic, but I never knew of 
an Odd Fellows' lodge doing anything of this 
character or being guilty of such gross Sabbath 
desecration. 

Men are scrutinized more carefully for 
goodness, greatness, and quality to-day than 
ever before. More is required of a man now 
than in any preceding period. Some people 
look upon the past and there find patterns and 
models by which we are to endeavor to live, 
but it is not necessary to go into the past for 
splendid examples of moral and Christian life. 
Men are better to-day than ever at any pre- 
vious date in history. The noble men of this 
century are far better than the patriarchs or 
any other men of the Old Testament days. A 
higher standard of morality is advocated by 
the world in general than ever before. Cor- 
porations, business houses, and all concerns of 
any importance require more of men, not only 
intellectually and in a technical sense, but in 
a moral way in this twentieth century than at 



The Religion of Odd Fellowship 31 

any previous date in the history of the human 
family. 

The past century has witnessed marvelous 
development along all lines. Art, science, in- 
vention, and discovery come in for their full 
share of honors, but there has been greater 
development along religious and moral lines 
than any other. Things that were counte- 
nanced fifty years ago, even looked upon as 
being Christian and religious, would not be 
tolerated now. The standard is so much 
higher to-day, and so much more is required 
of a man morally. Men have a clearer vision 
of right and morality, of equity and justice, 
and are doing more in this present age for the 
benefit of humanity than has been done up to 
this time. The teaching of Odd Fellowship, 
as well as the splendid instruction of other 
societies of like nature, has had no little part 
in bringing about these splendid things. We 
should give proper credit to every influence 
and organization that has had anything to do 
in establishing this high standard of Christian 
morality for the present age. 

We cannot speak too highly of the Independ- 
ent Order of Odd Fellows, nor confer upon 



32 The Religion of Odd Fellowship 

it too much credit, nor give it too much honor. 
It has done its full share, and should receive 
the encouragement of all mankind. God bless 
this organization that stands for the encour- 
agement, development, and edification of the 
human family. 

Moral force is greater than military distinc- 
tion and honor. The man who can fight 
against the tide of evil and temptation and 
gain victory deserves greater credit than he 
who goes out with cannon and musketry and 
conquers a nation. The conquest of self is 
the greatest possible victory. Man cannot do 
very much alone. He needs the assistance 
and encouragement of his fellowmen. This 
is true especially in relation to the great moral 
issues. 

The Holy Bible teaches us that man is na- 
turally inclined toward evil. If this is true, 
he needs everything that can be of assistance 
to him in the race of life. He needs the 
Bible, Christ, a church, and every other instru- 
mentality that can be of service in procuring 
his salvation and happiness. If the lodge can 
be of assistance to any man, let it render such 
aid without hindrance from any one. There 



The Religion of Odd Fellowship 33 

is no question in my mind about the lodge's 
being able to help man to higher and better 
things in this life. The advice and instruc- 
tion given by true brethren always is whole- 
some. 

The man who denounces secret societies by 
saying that it is not possible for a Christian 
man to be a member of such an organization 
and keep his religion does not know the first 
principle of a secret society. The man who 
would lose his religion by becoming a member 
of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows does 
not have very much religion to lose, and would 
be more religious after having taken the initia- 
tion than he was before. There is nothing in 
the lodge to subtract one virtue from the true, 
devout, earnest Christian man. On the other 
hand, many things will assist him in his Chris- 
tian career, and eventually will open to him 
new avenues of thought, inspiration, and use- 
fulness. The lodge opens for the Christian 
minister an avenue to the heart of a brother 
Odd Fellow that cannot be gained in any other 
manner. If I thought that anything about the 
lodge would detract from the influence of the 
church, or that would keep men out of the 



34 The Religion of Odd Fellowship 

church, I would not remain a member another 
day, but would ask for a withdrawal card im- 
mediately. Until I have evidence that the 
lodge is an injury to the church, and that it 
does corrupt morals, I shall remain a mem- 
ber and shall do all that lies in my power to 
make the work of the society a success. 

As a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ, 
I cannot see any harm in the secret society, but 
can see it rise as a mighty, gigantic army, go- 
ing out into the world assisting men to subdue 
their passions and conquer the evil in their 
own nature. When we consider who are the 
members of this organization, and look upon 
the personnel of the order, we can but believe 
that there is some good connected with the 
institution that appeals to so many good men. 

An intelligent person needs to consider this 
question but a short time to arrive at the con- 
clusion that the denunciation and criticism 
hurled at Odd Fellowship is but a demonstra- 
tion of ignorance and superstition. Is it pos- 
sible that thousands of good, honest men 
would remain members of a society that would 
injure them or their friends? Certainly not. 
I believe that the majority of those who slan- 



The Religion of Odd Fellowship 35 

der and abuse secrecy are those who would like 
to become members, but cannot be elected to 
membership. I cannot utter too strong a 
defense in favor of Odd Fellowship. It 
respects womanhood and motherhood, and 
seeks to exalt every noble principle. This 
magnificent organization tries to influence its 
membership to seek the good and noble rather 
than to choose the evil. 

Preachers used to tell us to be good, but 
now we are told to do good. There is some 
good in every life. That which is necessary 
for most of us to do is to open the flood-gates 
of our lives and let the good flow out into 
channels where it may do the most possible 
good for fallen, suffering humanity. Brother 
Odd Fellow, rest assured that if you live up 
to the principles taught you while you assumed 
your obligations you cannot- become a very 
bad man. You will not become a bad man be- 
cause those lessons were burned into your very 
life, and since have become a part of your 
character and you cannot get away from them. 
You could not forget them if you were to try, 
and no good Odd Fellow will desire to disre- 
member these solemn vows. Let the world 



36 The Religion of Odd Fellowship 

think as it may about this matter; you know- 
that the instruction you receive in your re- 
spective halls is above reproach, and that you 
profit from it. Odd Fellowship will never 
make a man immoral, nor cause him to dis- 
respect good wherever found. This order 
will cause a man to respect and hold in high 
regard every principle and influence for the 
good of mankind. Wives and mothers need 
not fear that this institution will lead their 
dear ones astray. 



CHAPTER III. 
ODD FELLOWSHIP AND SOCIETY 

IT IS difficult to define the term "society." It 
may mean humanity, family, race, or social 
intercourse. Some writers consider it as 
an organism. We may think of society as a 
group of persons sharing a common life for a 
longer or shorter period, or in a larger sense 
that social organism which has to do with the 
life, ideals, and objects of all social existence. 
This is a broad and liberal definition, but it is 
not too broad. This is far better than to be 
as narrow as the Jew, Greek, and Roman. 
For the Jew, society meant the Jewish race, 
and that was as far as he could see along the 
line of social development and life. The 
Greek thought only of those who had been 
brought under Greek culture, refinement, and 
education. The Roman acknowledged only 
those who recognized Roman authority and 
power. We must think of society in a larger 
sense than did men of other days. It is the 
one thing which has something to do with 



38 The Religion of Odd Fellowship 

every faculty of man, as well as with every 
social condition which prevails in the human 
family. Few of us get a proper conception 
of society, its work, and its principles. 

When we look out into the world we see a 
vast network of influences busily engaged in 
the effort to bring about the salvation of the 
human race, to afford amusement and recrea- 
tion, and to develop man into a power for good. 
This question might be elaborated upon at 
great length, but the province of this work is 
to consider only those influences that have in 
them a tendency to improve social conditions 
and bring about better environment not for the 
individual only, but also that which will help 
the masses to the better things of this life. 
The object of the home, church, and govern- 
ment should be to improve conditions to such 
an extent that not only a few will be benefited 
thereb}', but the masses will be reached and 
encouraged to strive for still larger things. 
This can be accomplished only by the concerted 
action of all societies and organizations which 
have for their object the elevation of mankind. 

We want to make this old world a good 
place for all men. In order to do this, it will 



The Religion of Odd Fellowship 39 

be necessary to employ every agency at our 
command. Men must be developed socially, 
morally, intellectually, and religiously. This 
is necessary in order that the greatest possible 
amount of good be done to all alike. There 
is nothing greater than growth; especially is 
this true of these social organisms. It is 
wonderful to study the growth of society and 
to become acquainted with the facts, condi- 
tions, and circumstances that have had to do 
with bringing about certain prevailing condi- 
tions in our social existence. We may profit 
by studying the past, and by becoming familiar 
with the spirit of unrest that has brought about 
existing sociological conditions. 

Some claim that the day of individualism is 
past, and that it is necessary that all our 
efforts be centered upon the group as a social 
unit. There is good argument to be produced 
on both sides of this important question. 
Sociolog}' teaches that the group is the true 
unit of social life, but this idea does not anni- 
hilate the individual. It is the individual's 
needs and emotions that serve as a stimulus 
to all social activity. 



40 The Religion of Odd Fellowship 

In discussion, we dare not confine ourselves 
to the sociological or psychological phase of 
the development of society. We wish to get 
down to real principles which are thoroughly 
understood by all and see what can be done 
to give man the very best that is afforded in 
this world. 

Odd Fellowship has a place in society, a 
place in the world, and a very large place in 
the hearts of its membership. It stands for 
the betterment of conditions for the individual 
and the masses. It seeks first to bring the 
individual to be what he should be, and then 
teach him to do what he should do. The spirit 
of Odd Fellowship is altruistic. Such a 
society, governed and animated by Christian 
truth and grace, is full of hope and promise 
for mankind, and is prophetic of a time when 
ethnic prejudice shall be overcome and the 
world shall become a republic of nations and 
races, living in peace, and helping one another 
by the arts and amenities of Christian law and 
love. Humble men may therefore do great 
things in extending the hand of welcome and 
fellowship to their brother. 



The Religion of Odd Fellowship 41 

Odd Fellowship must not become afflicted 
with the spirit of selfishness that is manifested 
in the world, wherein it is asserted that we are 
obligated only to help and assist those belong- 
ing to our own faith or society. Odd Fellow- 
ship should be world-wide and universal in its 
efforts to do good. It is evident, therefore, 
that we should live not only for ourselves and 
our homes, but for society. Our interests are 
not all in our homes, but they reach out to our 
neighbors, to the community about us. The 
home and society, therefore, are related to each 
other. They should stand together for mutual 
helpfulness and protection. Society furnishes 
us so very much in the way of protection, 
country, education, opportunity, and pleasure 
that it cannot well be ignored. 

A deeper spirit of genuine Christianity than 
ever before should be manifested in the world, 
because it has been in operation for almost 
two thousand years. Educational institutions 
and other influences have been at work to bet- 
ter conditions. Certainly, we cannot complain 
that this country is minus the necessary ma- 
chinery to produce conditions which should 
prevail. The most important question that 



42 The Religion of Odd Fellowship 

confronts us is the utilization of the machinery 
in our possession. Machinery, laws, and 
edicts are of no service unless employed in 
carrying forward the purposes for which they 
were designed. These influences ought so to 
direct the mind and life of our young people 
that they will be mindful of the fundamentals 
and essentials pertaining to the welfare of 
government, church, state, and society. 

Every man comes into contact with those 
who possess the spirit of the iconoclast, or 
those who declare that we are living in the 
most wicked and immoral age that the world 
ever saw. This is the wail of the pessimist, 
and deserves very little attention. Beyond 
question, society conditions are improving. If 
we do not recognize this as a fact, and con- 
scientiously believe it to be true, we are deny- 
ing the efficacy of the religion of Jesus Christ 
to bring these things to pass. After the gospel 
has been preached for almost two thousand 
years, and various other organizations have 
been at work so earnestly for the purpose of 
lifting men up and making them what the 
Heavenly Father destined from the beginning 
of time that they should be, it is the height 



The Religion of Odd Fellowship 43 

of folly to go about preaching the pessimistic 
and discouraging doctrine that the world is 
growing more wicked and that society is be- 
coming more corrupt all the time. 

Those who cannot see society improvement, 
and do not have the vision to see that present 
conditions are better than any preceding, must 
bear in mind that twentieth-century times can- 
not be interpreted in the light of a previous 
century. This is an age of progress, and the 
man who fails to keep step to the music is 
sure to be left behind. This age is progres- 
sive in every respect ; thought, education, and 
religion are quite liberal to-day compared with 
a generation since. 

Many years ago it was not uncommon for a 
person to express disbelief in secret societies, 
and no one thought it strange when such dis- 
belief was voiced. In this age of progress and 
advancement, this age of education, culture, 
refinement, and broad and liberal thought, it 
does seem rather inconsistent and fogy to hear 
men condemn secret societies. Fanatics may 
talk as they desire, but if all men were mem- 
bers of secret fraternities like the Odd Fel- 
lows, Knights of Pythias, or the Free Masons, 



44 The Religion of Odd Fellowship 

society conditions would be better than at the 
present. As a rule, no cleaner, more genteel 
men can be found than those who are members 
of secret societies. Fraternalism has had 
much to do in establishing the present favor- 
able conditions which we enjoy, and it will 
continue to exert a mighty influence in the 
development of society. 

Much is said about secret fraternities in 
high schools and colleges. These societies are 
being condemned and students expelled who 
become members. Such things have the ap- 
pearance of the dark ages. How a secret 
society can injure a young man, or unfit him 
for the best of society is far beyond compre- 
hension. The influence would be greater for 
good than for evil, and the majority of young 
men would be benefited by such membership. 
The lessons taught in regard to the rights of 
others, honesty, and the respect for woman- 
hood that is inculcated in all secret societies 
cannot do otherwise than to bring about a 
better social atmosphere. When these princi- 
ples are taken into consideration by an intelli- 
gent and honest man, they cannot fail to meet 
his hearty approval. If those who object so 



The Religion of Odd Fellowship 45 

seriously to secret societies will weigh these 
things carefully, they will soon be championing 
the cause of secrecy and telling of the good 
that is being accomplished through the agency 
of the fraternity. 

A great effort is being made to ascertain why 
more men do not go to church. This is a live 
topic, and is being discussed from the public 
platform and through the religious and secular 
press in a very learned and intelligent manner. 
Various reasons why more men do not attend 
church regularly have been suggested. One 
of the reasons given is that men are so inter- 
ested in commercialism and occupied to such 
an extent with business matters that they lose 
interest and thus fail to attend upon this divine 
means of grace. There is some truth in this 
assertion. Some men are slaves to their busi- 
ness, and do not take the opportunity to attend 
church or lodge. A few men do not care to 
have anything to do along any society line. A 
few are shut up to themselves, and have no 
association with others, except in a business 
way; but this is the exception rather than the 
rule. The rank and file of men take pride in 
society. Usually men take delight in the work 



46 The Religion of Odd Fellowship 

of the church, if they are given a hearty wel- 
come and made to feel at home. 

One of the charges urged against the church 
is that its members are not sociable. Men say 
that they can go to church time and again and 
not receive a warm, hearty, cordial handshake ; 
that there is nothing said or done to make them 
feel welcome. This is a serious charge, and, 
while it may not be true to any great extent 
in some churches, yet it is true in many others. 
If the church wants to compete successfully 
with the work of the lodge, it must become 
more sociable, in fact, it must become more 
progressive along many lines. It cannot live 
and survive in the twentieth century unless it 
does business according to twentieth-century 
methods. 

The best thing that the churches of this 
country have done for a long time in the way 
of progressive work is the organization of the 
brotherhood movement. If there is anything 
that will win men it is this spirit of organiza- 
tion. Men like to organize, and they will take 
hold of anything that is carried on in a busi- 
ness-like manner. 



The Religion of Odd Fellowship 47 

Another reason suggested for the non-at- 
tendance of men at church is that so many 
people go, not for the purpose of worshiping 
God, but for the sole purpose of making a dis- 
play of fine clothes. Some churches are noth- 
ing more than places for dress parades, and no 
spirit of devotion and worship is manifested. 
As long as this condition prevails, it will be 
difficult to get many men interested in the 
work of the church. 

Whenever some of the church members 
come down off of their stilts and are willing 
to meet the common man upon a common level, 
and make him feel that he is a brother, he will 
be interested in the church and its work. This 
is not intended to ridicule the church or to 
place a barrier in its path, but is meant to 
show what many lodge men think about this 
question, and to help solve one of the most 
important questions before the church at this 
time. Let the church feel that it has a social 
function, and that it is its duty to bring men 
together as brothers for mutual helpfulness 
and protection. 

The conditions that have been charged 
against the church do not prevail in the lodge 



48 The Religion of Odd Fellowship 

room. Money, rank, wealth, office, fine clothes 
do not carry with them any weight in regard 
to the respect and esteem in which a brother 
is held. If he is but a poor man, not having 
the financial ability to appear in society as well 
clad as his more fortunate brother, he is held 
in just as high respect as the man who is able 
to appear in the finest of apparel. He is 
greeted with a hearty, cordial welcome, is 
made to feel at home, and is recognized as a 
brother. Men can go to lodge in their com- 
mon apparel, without coat or collar, if they so 
desire, and are not subject to the scornful gaze 
of those who think that fine clothes make the 
man. 

It is not difficult for men to see that Odd 
Fellowship, as well as f raternalism in general, 
is doing a great work for society. The insti- 
tution that endeavors to improve society con- 
ditions, and thus bring about a bond of union 
among the men of its membership, ought to 
receive the hearty applause of all men. 

There is a marked disposition toward hero 
worship. Past and present indicate that the 
ideal of heroism is military bravery. Men 
returning from battle laden with honors have 



The Religion of Odd Fellowship 49 

been welcomed with the highest ardor and 
enthusiasm, but those who for many years 
have been sustaining a deadly struggle with the 
ignorance and vice in the lives of men and 
women have been left to pursue their great 
battle unnoticed and unseen. We must learn 
now and forever that there is a higher order 
of heroism than that based upon military 
bravery and distinction ; there is a nobler cour- 
age than that which encounters physical 
danger; there is a grander warfare than that 
of arms. 

Avarice, pride, love of distinction, thirst for 
power; desire for sensual indulgence, retalia- 
tion, and emulation have long been enthroned. 
They have ruled the intellect, the conscience, 
and the life, and have been the sovereigns of 
the world in every age. If Odd Fellowship 
can exert an influence that will help to destroy 
these evils and curses of society; to dethrone 
them and in their place give the world true 
love, true manhood, respect for others, equal- 
ity, and a thirst for social betterment, it will 
have accomplished a magnificent work and 
will be enthroned as a mightv social factor. 



50 The Religion of Odd Fellowship 

If that tendency to hero worship takes pos- 
session of our lives, let us not only worship 
men, but worship the splendid societies that 
have wielded such a mighty influence for good 
and the development of man. 

Let us hope that the ghosts of superstition 
have been laid by the genial and penetrating 
light of sincere affection, and that men may 
have vision to see good wherever it is done, 
whether in a church or a lodge room. 

The world is seeking for society that is de- 
void of all selfishness and that purposes to 
promote the welfare of all alike. This is one 
of the reasons that Odd Fellowship appeals to 
so many men. Men desire society that will 
bind them closer together and create in their 
hearts a deeper love for their fellowmen. 
What generally is called society has a tendency 
to alienate the love and affection of men and 
create discord and strife. This cannot be said 
in regard to Odd Fellowship, because there is 
not one principle that in any way causes a man 
to think less of his brother, neighbor, or friend. 
Many a principle is taught in an Odd Fellows 
lodge which creates a more kindly disposition, 
and gives one a wider vision and more exalted 



The Religion of Odd Fellowship 51 

idea of his duty to those with whom he asso- 
ciates and has business transactions. 

The object of every association, society, or 
organization ought to be to improve the cir- 
cumstances, conditions, and surroundings of 
those who contribute to it. The chief end of 
a secret society is to make life more congenial 
and to better equip and enable man to do his 
full duty to his fellowman. If Odd Fellow- 
ship fulfills its mission in awakening within 
man a desire to do good, and gives him a wider 
vision of his duty to society, it is accomplish- 
ing a good and noble work and ought to be 
recognized as an essential institution. Odd 
Fellowship improves society and exalts the 
character of its membership and, therefore, is 
worthy of consideration. 



CHAPTER IV. 
ODD FELLOWSHIP AND CHARITY 

CHARITY is one of the underlying prin- 
ciples of the superstructure of Odd 
Fellowship. It is one of the brightest 
jewels, signifying more than language can 
express. Without charity none can be truly 
religious or Christian to any extent. It is the 
distinctive badge or insignia of a man who has 
been with God and learned of him. All the 
Christian graces cluster around charity. With- 
out it the world would sit in darkness and de- 
spair, with nothing to light up the pathway of 
the weak, weary pilgrim upon life's tempestu- 
ous sea of turmoil, strife, and perplexity. It 
does, indeed, stimulate, edify, and encourage 
the downtrodden and discouraged, and it in- 
spires them with the belief that there is joy 
and peace in the world for all and that life 
is worth living. 

This principle of the Christian religion and 
this fundamental principle of Odd Fellowship 
is one of the things for which the world is 



The Religion of Odd Fellowship 53 

hungering and thirsting. We cannot confine 
charity to the giving of money for the relief 
of the distressed. It has a broader meaning 
than financial benevolence. It takes cogni- 
zance of the value of money and the impor- 
tance of bestowing financial assistance upon 
those who justly deserve it, but there are many 
instances where a word fitly spoken, a deed 
kindly done, is of inestimably more value than 
any amount of money or financial assistance. 

Men are dying for love and encouragement. 
Nothing is more Christ-like than the disposi- 
tion to offer encouragement at the proper time. 
Many a life has been saved by the affection 
and encouragement bestowed upon the indi- 
vidual who had lost confidence in himself and 
in all mankind. 

Oftentimes we wonder why there are so 
many suicides, why so many people despair of 
life and cannot see the beauties of living in 
such a splendid world. If we take the time 
to make a thorough investigation, it will be 
ascertained that the lack of charity, encourage- 
ment, and kindly words has had something 
to do with the downfall of nearly every man. 



54 The Religion of Odd Fellowship 

It is so much easier to think charitably of 
our neighbor than to judge him harshly and 
unjustly; so much easier to say a word of 
commendation than to censure and find fault 
that we wonder why men ever do otherwise. 

If there is to be a heaven and everlasting 
life for us beyond this world, it must begin 
in this life. If a man cannot by his words, 
deeds, and acts put a little of the idea of 
heaven, its glories and beauties, into the every- 
day walks of this life, there is not much chance 
for him to enter into the pearly gates of that 
celestial city. 

This life is given us for cultivation and im- 
provement, and it is intended that we shall 
make preparation for greater and better things 
that are in store for us at the end of the earthly 
journey. If our lives are blighted with a 
spirit of bigotry, inconsistency, uncharitable- 
ness, and infidelity to God and man, there is 
but little hope that we shall become proud 
possessors of mansions that are builded for all 
those who walk uprightly and serve the King 
acceptably. 

The Holy Bible teaches us that charity is 
greater than faith and hope. It is the citadel 



The Religion of Odd Fellowship 55 

upon which all the other Christian graces 
stand. It is the zenith of the Christian life, 
its power, beauty, and usefulness. Without it 
the Bible would be almost meaningless, the 
Christian religion a farce, the church unable 
to prosper. 

When we consider it in this light, we do not 
wonder that it is given such a prominent place 
in the teaching of every secret society. If 
Odd Fellowship failed to adopt this as a part 
of its instruction, it would fail in one of the 
most essential and vital features connected 
with every good institution. Odd Fellowship 
is not blind to this splendid virtue, but gives 
it a prominent place in its ritualistic cere- 
monies. 

A man cannot become a good Odd Fellow 
without learning the lesson of charity. He 
cannot be a good Odd Fellow without practic- 
ing this sublime principle. It must permeate 
the life of every member of the order. It 
must be uppermost in his mind. If a candi- 
date fails to grasp the importance of this les- 
son, he has not been impressed properly, and 
has not had imparted to him a proper concep- 
tion of the beauties of Odd Fellowship, This 



56 The Religion of Odd Fellowship 

principle of the Christian religion must pre- 
dominate in every life. 

Charity has wiped away tears, softened suf- 
fering, and ministered at many deathbeds. 
Charity inspires us to lift up the fallen, and to 
be kindly disposed toward our delinquent 
brother. Charity can emanate only from a 
pure heart. In proportion as the heart is 
purified, it is filled with charity, respect, and 
esteem for our fellowmen. 

We are taught in the good Book that "pure 
religion and undefined before God and the 
Father is this, To visit the fatherless and wid- 
ows in their affliction, and to keep himself 
unspotted from the world." This is the teach- 
ing that a candidate receives when initiated 
into a lodge of Odd Fellows. Too many peo- 
ple think that emotion and good feeling are 
pure and undefiled religion. Emotion may or 
may not be an expression of religion. We are 
Christians not because of the things that we 
feel, but because of the things we are enabled 
to go out into the world and accomplish. In 
a lodge of Odd Fellows men do not go into 
trances and see visions, nor do they shout hal- 
lelujahs, but they have hearts that are imbued 



The Religion of Odd Fellowship 57 

with the splendid principle of charity, and in 
the sacred precincts of the lodge room many 
plans are made for going out into the world to 
lift up a fallen brother or to assist his family 
to the better and higher things in this life. 

To relieve the distressed is one of the car- 
dinal doctrines of this society. When disa- 
bility from illness or other misfortune over- 
takes a brother Odd Fellow, it is our duty to 
go to his relief and provide for him until he 
is able to help himself. One writer has put it 
in the following beautiful words : "When dis- 
ability from illness or other misfortune would 
permit gaunt poverty to stalk ruthlessly into 
and make the family circle its abode, soft- 
handed relief comes from her three-linked 
dwelling and fills larder and cupboard and 
waves the unwelcome intruder to depart. 
Hungry children are fed, the patient, care- 
worn wife is given new hope, and the fever- 
tossed husband and brother is given abundant 
assurance that his loved fraternity is for storm 
as well as for calm." 

Numerous instances might be referred to 
where the Odd Fellows have administered to 
the necessities of the distressed and afflicted. 



' 58 The Religion of Odd Fellowship 

When the great fire destroyed Chicago, the 
Independent Order of Odd Fellows donated 
more to the relief of the distressed of that city 
than any other society or church. When the 
yellow fever scourged the beautiful Southland, 
our fraternity sent money to the relief of the 
sick and afflicted until the message came flash- 
ing over the wires that no more money was 
needed. "When the great famine was devast- 
ating unfortunate Ireland, the Odd Fellows of 
the United States were the first to send relief. 
A shipload of provisions, clothing, and other 
necessities were sent to these unfortunate 
people. During the short life of Odd Fel- 
lowship in this country, multiplied thousands 
have been helped financially and otherwise, 
and they testify to the charitableness of this 
great fraternity. 

It is our teaching that we should say and 
do good things for our brethren while they 
are here to enjoy it and while it will do them 
good. It is better to give flowers to the liv- 
ing than to place them upon the coffin or grave 
after our friend is dead. Many men are bur- 
ied amid the fragrance and profusion of beau- 
tiful flowers whose lives would have been 



The Religion of Odd Fellowship 59 

sweetened and, no doubt, lengthened and made 
happier and brighter if some of these beautiful 
bouquets had been given to them while living. 

We are taught to pay weekly sick benefits 
to those of our members who through sickness 
are unable to pursue their usual occupations. 
While a large amount is not given, in most 
cases it is a blessing to the family of the 
afflicted member. 

Our obligations do not end with the death 
of a brother Odd Fellow. We are authorized 
agents to take charge of the funeral services 
and see him properly laid to rest to await the 
resurrection morn when all shall rise and be 
judged according to the life they have lived 
here. How tenderly and affectionately this 
last rite is performed by those who have as- 
sumed the obligation and who mourn because 
a brother has taken his departure! If there 
ever is a time that kind words and gentle deeds 
have a depth of meaning to the widow and 
orphan, it is when the husband and father lies 
still in death. The splendid work of brother 
Odd Fellows upon these sad occasions has en- 
deared the order to thousands who before did 



60 The Religion of Odd Fellowship 

not see the beauty and usefulness of fraternal 
secret societies. 

The burial benefit and the funeral expenses, 
together with other aid which always is given, 
in many cases are of more value at that time 
to the bereaved family than can be computed 
in dollars and cents. In so many instances it 
saves the family from the humiliation of ask- 
ing credit or being dunned for funeral ex- 
penses. 

Odd Fellowship is an angel of light, benevo- 
lence, and charity, and ought to have golden 
words of commendation for its work of love 
and mercy. Let the critic and the fault-finder 
consider these acts of charity and devotion to 
our fellowman, and he must be uncharitable 
indeed if he continues to slur and abuse secret 
societies. 

Charity assists us to look for the good qual- 
ities in our brother rather than seek the bad 
characteristics. If we live the right kind of 
lives ourselves, it is possible for us to see more 
good than bad in almost every man with whom 
we come into touch. Charity admonishes us 
to seek the good. How much more beautiful 
it is to seek good things than it is to seek 



The Religion of Odd Fellowship 61 

after the vile, wicked, and sinful. Our lives 
have been exalted and edified by coming 
in contact with good, but the wicked mars and 
degrades us. 

Every man possesses a certain degree of 
nobility, no difference how low in the scale 
he may have gone. He may be looked upon 
as a social outcast, but within his breast some- 
thing lies buried which is beautiful, and which 
will shine with great brilliancy if given a 
chance. Charity teaches us to give every man 
a chance, and an opportunity to make good. 

Nothing is more satisfying than to be a dis- 
coverer or an inventor. It is a splendid thing 
to discover a new world and give it to man- 
kind; but this is nothing compared with the 
great world that is uncovered when the real 
life of a man is found, and his real merit and 
worth are realized. Charity endeavors to 
assist us in this search for the good in our 
fellowman. Let us ever seek to know men, 
but never seek to know their sin. Let us ever 
seek to know the good traits of character in 
every man, but learn to minimize evil. 

Nothing better can be done than to let the 
Apostle Paul speak relative to charity: 



62 The Religion of Odd Fellowship 

"Though I speak with the tongues of men and 
of angels, and have not charity, I am become 
as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And 
though I have the gift of prophecy, and under- 
stand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and 
though I have all faith, so that I could remove 
mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 
And though I bestow all my goods to feed the 
poor, and though I give my body to be burned, 
and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. 
Charity suffereth long, and is kind ; charity 
envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not 
puffed up, doth not behave, itself unseemly, 
seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, 
thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but 
rejoiceth in the truth; beareth all things, be- 
lieveth all things, hopeth all things, endureth 
all things. Charity never faileth : but whether 
there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether 
there be tongues, they shall cease; whether 
there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For 
we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 
But when that which is perfect is come, then 
that which is in part shall be done away. 
When I was a child I spake as a child. . .but 
when I became a man, I put away childish 



The Religion of Odd Fellowship 63 

things. For now we see through a glass, 
darkly ; but then face to face : now I know in 
part; but then shall I know even as also I am 
known. And now abideth faith, hope, char- 
ity, these three; but the greatest of these is 
charity." 



CHAPTER V. 
ODD FELLOWSHIP AND THE HOME 

THERE is no more blessed subject about 
which to write than home. Men have 
written and spoken entertainingly and 
eloquently of this sublime theme. The heart 
which cannot be touched and made to feel 
when this subject is considered is indeed hard- 
ened with the sins of the world. 

Some people love to think of the institutions 
which have a history. This may be said of 
the home. It is indeed a historical institution. 
The home was founded before God placed his 
seal of approval upon another organization. 
It is, therefore, of divine origin, and carries 
with it a sanctity which is not possessed by 
any other society in existence. 

We reverence the church as the gift of God 
the Father, and hold it in great respect and 
esteem; but the home was before the church, 
and it likewise is entitled to the highest re- 
spect. We honor this splendid institution be- 
cause it plays such an important part in the 
development of character. 



The Religion of Odd Fellowship 65 

The first influences upon the child are those 
of home, and these impressions are the most 
enduring. The nation that has good homes 
always will have honorable, useful, and patri- 
otic citizens. The home wields a mightier 
influence for good than empires, republics, pul- 
pits, or thrones. The lessons learned here are 
fixed so indelibly upon the memory and life 
that it is difficult to get away from them. The 
splendid lessons taught by the father and 
mother will follow the child to the grave. 
They will tell not only for good in this life, but 
will have their effect on the great life yet to 
be revealed. 

When these truths are known, how impor- 
tant that the parents endeavor to make home 
what it is intended to be. The home is the 
greatest training school in the world, and 
mother is the chief instructor. Her influence 
and example carry a weight of responsibility 
not appreciated as fully as it should be. Edu- 
cation begins with the home, and the most is 
learned in the first seven years of the child's 
life, in the majority of cases passed mostly 
under the influence and training of mother. 
In view of this fact, we see the necessity for 



66 The Religion of Odd Fellowship 

making the homes of a nation an influence for 
its conservation. 

Napoleon Bonaparte said, "The future good 
or evil of a nation depends upon the mother." 
Upon another occasion he made the assertion, 
"She who rocks the cradle rules the world." 
These pertinent remarks carry much food for 
thought and meditation. 

Xo other organization ever had the impor- 
tance which is connected with the home. It 
should occupy the most exalted position. It 
should have our first and most intelligent con- 
sideration. Let the home remain what it 
should, and the nation need have no fear of 
dissolution ; but, let the home be undermined 
by frivolities and tendencies toward evil which 
dominate some lives, and the nation is not safe. 
Destroy the home, and you destroy our present 
high state of civilization. Destroy the home, 
and you destroy every good and noble institu- 
tion. Destroy the home, and you destroy 
everything worth possessing. 

Many influences in this age tend to disrupt 
the home. It is, indeed, a monster that know- 
ingly breaks down its Christian influence. The 
adversary of our soul is alert to all the possi- 



The Religion of Odd Fellowship 67 

bilities of Christian homes, and is anxious to 
undo the work of centuries. Polygamy prac- 
ticed by some pretended religious organizations 
in this country, free love that is running ram- 
pant, and the divorce evil are all intended to 
break down the influence of home and the 
home life, and eventually will be the forces 
operative in overthrowing this government. 
Congress should enact a most rigid and inflex- 
ible marriage and divorce law. At present 
divorce is the greatest enemy to the home. 
This monster evil must be crushed in some 
way or it will crush all that is good. 

All societies and organizations for the pro- 
tection of home ought to work together in har- 
mony for the preservation of this most splen- 
did of all institutions. 

Home develops all that is good. It gives 
every noble thought, every sublime impression. 
Without the home and its precious influence 
and blessing, men would retrograde and go 
back into heathenism. It creates and develops 
a devotion that cannot be obtained elsewhere. 
Man cannot go so far into sin and degradation 
but precious memories of home will linger in 



68 The Religion of Odd Fellowship 

his mind and give him gentle admonitions to 
walk in the path of righteousness. 

We do not need to ask why home is so good. 
Every man, woman, and child has a satisfac- 
tory answer, but many reasons might be sug- 
gested. 

The home is good because of its seclusion. 
Men do not expect their best enjoyment in the 
public gaze. What is nearer heaven than a 
good home — a place where one may rest him- 
self from the assiduous and busy cares of this 
commercial age? Home with its books, pic- 
tures, and its precious associations has a ten- 
dency to make us think of the house of many 
mansions that Christ has prepared for all 
them that serve him acceptably. 

Then, every one is most himself in his own 
home. You need only visit a home to become 
acquainted with the real man. Here the char- 
acter of an individual is portrayed in a more 
vivid way than would be expressed by the 
persons themselves. Here we learn the tem- 
perament, disposition, likes and dislikes, pecul- 
iarities, and thoughts of all. Home will not 
hide these things. One might visit a home 
when the inmates were absent, and, without 



The Religion of Odd Fellowship 69 

being personally acquainted with any of them, 
gather much information which would tell of 
their lives, character, and trend of thought. 
The pictures on the wall would speak, the 
books on the shelves, and everything in the 
home would tell the story of the inmates' lives, 
thoughts, and religious ideals. It would be 
possible to tell whether the idea of religion or 
of the world predominated ; whether the church 
or the theater held the largest place in the 
affection. Indeed, the entire life would be 
revealed. 

But the influence of the home life can also 
be recognized in the face. We can learn won- 
derful things about the character and life of 
an individual by studying facial expressions. 
Every line or mark tells its story, and one who 
takes the time to read well cannot be mistaken 
in his conclusions. The face portrays the in- 
most feeling of the soul. 

We think of the goodness of home because 
it is a source of protection to the boy and 
girl. The child without a home is to be pitied. 
If one is reared under the influence and envi- 
ronment of home life, he may accomplish some- 
thing worth while, but let the child be deprived 



70 The Religion of Odd Fellowship 

of the influence of the home, and many things 
are against him. Apparently, all conditions 
and environments, outside the home, are un- 
favorable to the growth, development, and 
education of the child. When the father and 
mother die and leave their children without a 
home, but little hope is left for the welfare of 
the orphans. It is a most difficult thing to find 
persons who will adopt children and become 
their second parents. Many men and women 
to-day who were left without father or mother 
when young and were placed in other homes 
can testify that they never really received any 
instruction and never knew what a real home 
was like. 

It is not egotistic on the part of an Odd Fel- 
low to assert that the lodge has succeeded in 
overcoming many of the obstacles and difficul- 
ties encountered in providing for orphan chil- 
dren. In nearly every Grand Jurisdiction, 
Orphans' Homes have been erected by the 
various lodges for the purpose of caring for 
children of deceased Odd Fellows and their 
wives. These institutions are made as nearly 
like home as possible. The child is cared for 
in the very best manner, only good Christian 



The Religion of Odd Fellowship 71 

people having charge of such homes. The 
instruction is Christian in every sense of the 
word, and these little ones are taught the things 
necessary for them to know. They are not 
only taught the things of God and salvation, 
but are given a good, thorough education. The 
boys and girls sent out into the world from an 
Odd Fellows Orphan Home can be depended 
upon as to honesty, qualification, and integrity 
of character. No institution anywhere is doing 
a greater work than the Odd Fellows Orphan 
Home. One need only see the children of 
that home to conclude that they are being 
taught in the right manner. I presume this is 
true of all jurisdictions. Surely Almighty 
God looks upon this splendid work with divine 
approbation. It was Christ who said, "Suffer 
the little children to come unto me and forbid 
them not, for of such is the kingdom of 
heaven." Nothing can be more commendable 
than the care and instruction of the orphan. 
The great majority of Odd Fellows would 
much prefer to have their children to go to 
such a home than be left among relatives. This 
is evidence that confidence is reposed in the 



72 The Religion of Odd Fellowship 

management of the institution and assurance 
that good work is being done. 

It is difficult to understand why, when these 
things are generally known, some people will 
continue to oppose Odd Fellowship. It is the 
duty of every man, especially the poor man. 
to be connected with some good organization 
like the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. 
It is a means of protection, not only of self, 
but of the home and family. I do not under- 
stand how a man can die happy who has not 
made some provision for those dependent upon 
him. Talk about a man dying in the triumphs 
of a living faith, and his spirit sweeping 
through the gates of the new Jerusalem into 
eternal joy and happiness with the assurance 
that his family will go to the poorhouse after 
he is gone ! Such is next to an impossibility. 
If God places his sanction upon the family and 
the home, he will place his approval upon any- 
thing which protects them. It is immaterial 
whether such protection comes from the 
church or the lodge, it is necessary that it be 
provided. With all the splendid organizations, 
fraternal insurance, and secret societies that 
have for their object the protection of wife 



The Religion of Odd Fellowship 73 

and children, the man who dies without leav- 
ing some protection to his family is next to a 
criminal. The good Book teaches that this is 
an essential element in every creed or faith, 
and woe unto him that fails to put the admoni- 
tion into practice. 

The Bible is noted for its great truths and 
sublime principles concerning life and the right 
way of living. It supplies a good text, found 
in I. Timothy 5:8: "But if any provide not 
for his own, and specially for those of his own 
house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse 
than an infidel." 

Taking out life insurance and in this man- 
ner protecting home and family, or becoming 
a member of a good lodge like the Independ- 
ent Order of Odd Fellows, is a matter of good 
sense and sound business judgment, and is the 
proper course for every husband and father. 

Odd Fellowship not only provides a home 
for orphans, but also makes wise provision for 
its aged members who through misfortune 
may need such assistance. Many worthy peo- 
ple who have had a competency all their lives 
may meet with a series of misfortunes which 
will take their home and leave them without 



74 The Religion of Odd Fellowship 

protection in declining years. Parents have 
deeded all their property to sons and daugh- 
ters, depending upon them for a home during 
declining days. In some instances, after re- 
ceiving all, these ungrateful children have 
failed to care for their aged parents, and have 
permitted them to go to the poorhouse. Xo 
arraignment can be too severe for them. Xo 
words too harsh can be uttered against such 
unnatural offspring. 

Elderly people who have lived in comfort 
with a competency all their lives, when brought 
to poverty and compelled to go to the county 
farm to spend their last days, feel very keenly 
the embarrassment of such a misfortune. 
Many would rather die than be humiliated 
thus, or disgraced as some look upon it. 

Going to the Odd Fellows Old Folks Home 
to spend one's last days is quite different from 
spending them in the poorhouse. Every Odd 
Fellow and his wife can look upon this home 
w T ith pride as belonging to them, and need not 
hesitate to go there to enjoy its hospitality and 
to spend their last days within its walls. Every 
provision is at hand to make these aged people 
comfortable and happy and to make their last 



The Religion of Odd Fellowship 75 

days as full of joy as possible. If no other 
good things connected with Odd Fellowship 
make it worth while, this one is worth all 
it costs and more. If there were no other 
good features to appeal to men, this one could 
not fail to get their attention. It is commend- 
able to care for the indigent and aged, and to 
endeavor to make their last days full of bless- 
ing and sunshine. This is one of the tenets 
of our faith, and is one of which all are proud. 
God will look down from his throne and 
reward us for doing this noble and charitable 
act. May the mothers and fathers who to-day 
are spending their last days in an Odd Fellows 
Home live such lives of purity and devotion 
to God that after while they may inherit that 
house of many mansions where the flowers 
bloom forever and the sun is always bright. 



CHAPTER VI. 
THREE LINKS OF ODD FELLOWSHIP 

ODD Fellowship is founded upon three 
fundamental principles. They com- 
prise all that is good, and may be 
looked upon as the trinity of this fraternal 
order. These three words, friendship, love, 
and truth, are the motto of this society. These 
principles are taught in conferring the differ- 
ent degrees, and they inculcate a veneration 
for all that is right. When a candidate enters 
a lodge of Odd Fellows and finds such prin- 
ciples taught, immediately he is impressed with 
the importance of such fundamentals. 

Many men before being initiated have an 
idea that the ceremonies are ridiculous to a 
certain extent and that levity and humor are 
uppermost in mind. How quickly these ideas 
fall and the candidate is impressed with the 
sacredness and seriousness of the step he is 
taking ! 

If non-members, especially those inclined to 
be critical, could see the lessons of friendship, 



The Religion of Odd Fellowship 77 

love, and truth exemplified in the degree work 
of a lodge of Odd Fellows, criticism would 
cease, and every honest man would confess 
the lessons to be ideal, and intended to create 
a sentiment for right principles. 

First Link — Friendship 

Friendship is the first link of the strong chain 
which binds together the affections of men. It 
is a bright jewel, a distinctive insignia of trite- 
ness. It is that characteristic which makes a 
man more Christlike; it places him in that 
position of honor where he can be of the great- 
est possible service to mankind. 

Without friends there is nothing in the world 
for any of us. Friendship is more valuable 
than silver or gold ; more precious than rubies 
and diamonds, having a value which cannot be 
measured. 

This is the one principle in the work of Odd 
Fellowship that appeals to men more than any 
other. The bond and charm of every frater- 
nity is its friendship. The ritual, lessons, and 
work all help to give the friendship order, dig- 
nity, and practical utility. They are some of 
the modes in which friendship expresses itself. 



78 The Religion of Odd Fellowship 

Their freedom from vice, their decorum, cour- 
tesy, politeness, their peaceful and honorable 
intercourse without coarseness, profanity, or 
vulgarity, their manliness, integrity, and gen- 
erosity, all testify to the moral value of friend- 
ship. True friends do not cheat, defame, or 
devour each other. Rather do they do each 
other good, and help each other to deal justly, 
love, and walk humbly before God. This is 
the idea of Odd Fellowship, and one needs 
only to become connected with this fraternity 
to find a true demonstration of genuine friend- 
ship. Truer, warmer friends than in a hall 
of Odd Fellows cannot be found anywhere. 

Friendship, however, is not friendship unless 
it is willing to make sacrifices and to stand by 
a brother when he has fallen. Friendship ad- 
monishes us as brothers to be willing to stand 
by one another ; to aid and assist one another 
whenever possible. A man cannot be a true 
Odd Fellow and turn his brother down. Da- 
mon and Pythias, Jonathan and David, remind 
us that sacrifice is a necessary element in 
friendship. 

Any man has friends when he has plenty of 
money, prestige, influence, and position ; but 



The Religion of Odd Fellowship 79 

let a man fall by the wayside, lose his money 
and position, and his friends are likely to desert 
him right in the time of need. Odd Fellow- 
ship teaches a better principle than this. The 
object of this fraternity is to be of common 
assistance to one another, especially when a 
brother is forsaken by the world and has made 
a failure. At this point Odd Fellowship 
shines the brightest. What a comfort it is to 
know that you have a brother to whom you 
may confide everything, resting assured that, 
if it lies in his power, he will assist you. 

The tie of friendship existing between those 
who have taken the obligation cannot be ex- 
plained ; pen cannot write, nor tongue utter the 
obligations that one feels after assuming the 
relationship by initiation into the Independent 
Order of Odd Fellows. We appreciate our 
fellowmen more and realize our responsibility 
to him as never before. 

If the spirit of Odd Fellowship were fol- 
lowed to the letter, there would be no need 
for courts and lawyers, While difficulties 
will continue to arise until the end of time, 
these disagreements could be adjusted much 
more satisfactorily and with much less ex- 



80 The Religion of Odd Fellowship 

pense by the lodge. Members of the order 
may forget that they obligate themselves to 
abstain from going to law, at least with one 
another, and even concerning the work of the 
society. This would be a better world if the 
principles taught by Odd Fellows were put 
into practice in all our transactions. 

If all men would become Odd Fellows, or 
unite with some order of like character, and 
would remain true to their several obligations, 
war would be no more, and that reign of peace 
for which we all pray would be hastened. 

Odd Fellowship creates a friendship that 
is untiring ; a friendship that is true ; a friend- 
ship that is real in distress, heartache, and 
misfortune ; a friendship that bmds up sor- 
rowing, broken hearts, and lends sympathy 
and tears when such can be appreciated most. 

Second Link — Love 
Professor Drummond said that love is the 
greatest thing in the world. Love is the 
zenith of all perfections. It is the mainspring 
of action, the soul of enterprise, the soother 
of sorrow, and the grace that must be pos- 
sessed by every true Christian. Love brings 



The Religion of Odd Fellowship 81 

out the best element of manhood; it gives vi- 
sion to blind eyes and sympathy to souls that 
are cast down. 

Love is the one grace that knows no failure. 
No night is too dark for love to do its duty, 
and no task too difficult for it to undertake. 
It goes to the uttermost parts of the earth with 
its message of peace and joy, and brings with 
it a halo of light, glory, and happiness. It 
undertakes to solve the most perplexing and 
difficult problems without remuneration or 
glory. It drives back the dark clouds of dis- 
couragement, gloom, and despair, and helps 
the weary pilgrim to behold the silver lining. 
It smiles the sweetest smile and sends forth 
the most delicate fragrance. It goes the farth- 
est and stoops the lowest to rescue a poor 
fallen human being. 

Mighty armies go out and subdue nations, 
and the country is filled with the cries of the 
wounded and the dying. Everything is waste. 
The foe has destroyed without mercy, but suf- 
fering men and women are not left alone to 
perish without assistance. No difference how 
severe the battle may have been, or how strong 
the winds of opposition and prejudice may 



82 The Religion of Odd Fellowship 

blow, it becomes impossible to cover or to blot 
out the one grace that follows in the trail of 
man everywhere. This one trait subdues 
when armies retreat. It accomplishes more 
than all other forces combined. Love will 
conquer. It will settle difficulties and disputes 
when everything else fails. Men have sacri- 
ficed their lives, their fortunes, their all be- 
cause love prompted the act. Love has saved 
multitudes. 

Love is the second link in that strong chain 
of Odd Fellowship, difficult for the non-mem- 
ber to understand. This is one of the pre- 
dominating principles of the order, and the 
man who fails to understand it has failed to 
grasp a great portion of the instruction of this 
society. 

Who can be initiated into the mysteries of 
Odd Fellowship without becoming more in 
love with his brother and the world? It is 
impossible, even for the roughest character, 
to take the work in this society without becom- 
ing more gentle and affectionate. 

Secret societies cannot be condemned be- 
cause of advocating such principles. The 
lodge member remembers to do unto his 



The Religion of Odd Fellowship 83 

brother as he would have his brother to do 
f unto him with about as much consistency as 
many church members. He tries to the best 
of his ability to obey this great commandment 
of the law. 

Third Link— Truth. 

Truth is the imperial virtue. It is the 
treasure for which the candid mind ever seeks, 
the consummation for which we strive in our 
investigations. It is the sanction of every 
appeal that is made for good and right. It 
condemns the wrongs, the sins, and the false- 
hoods of the world. It may be long in ac- 
complishing and winning its victories, but 
eventually it will triumph over all, and be 
exalted to its true position in the universe. 

Truth is one element that must be taken into 
consideration in all walks of life. It is the 
fundamental thing for which the student, 
chemist, scientist, biologist, and theologian 
seeks. Without truth, we would grope our 
way in the dark amid the falsehoods of the 
world. Truth is the chart and compass which 
eventually will guide us safely into the portals 
of the New Jerusalem. If we cannot know 



84 The Religion of Odd Fellowship 

the truth, our fragile vessel must flounder in 
the darkness of the great sea of life, tossed 
hither and thither upon the angry waves of 
superstition and ignorance, and at last sink 
into the fathomless abyss where hope is un- 
known and truth is not recognized. 

Society is no longer secure when truth is no 
longer its chief ornament. Falsehood is the 
bane of society. It has been the cause of the 
downfall of individuals and nations. Empires 
and republics founded upon infidelity, igno- 
rance, superstition, and vice finally will crum- 
ble, totter, fall, and be forgotten. The institu- 
tion founded upon the eternal principles of 
truth is destined to endure until the end of 
time. Truth is eternal; truth is abiding; truth 
is changeless. 

Everywhere we see the marks of dissolution, 
decay, inconstancy, and changeableness. It is 
written upon the face of nations. Languages, 
customs, religions, art, and science confirm the 
belief that there is no constancy in natural 
things. Nations have been born and have 
risen to greatness, power, and splendor, but 
have fallen and little trace can be found of 
them, except their history. All these may 



The Religion of Odd Fellowship 85 

change, as well as the trees, earth, stones, and 
every natural thing. One eternal principle 
knows no change; truth remains the same 
bright jewel, the same beautiful grace it was 
when first given to aid man on his way home- 
ward and in his search for the higher and 
nobler things of life. The darkness of hea- 
thenism, vice, folly, and superstition cannot ex- 
tinguish its blazing light. Truth is the Chris- 
tian religion summed up in one word. 

Odd Fellowship seeks to teach this principle 
in its lessons. Truth is one of the great foun- 
dation stones of this society, and as long as it 
remains so Odd Fellowship will continue to 
wield a mighty influence in the world and need 
have no fear of dissolution. It will continue 
until tr^ujh shall be eliminated from its teach- 
ing, and then it will fall, and rightly so. 



CHAPTER VII. 
ODD FELLOWSHIP AND WOMEN 

THAT women should occupy an exalted 
position in the world is not questioned 
to-day. In early centuries it was 
thought that women were not equal to their 
brothers, and they were looked upon as the 
weaker sex. The Hindu says, "All women are 
ignorant." In other works are these estimates : 
"Ignorance is a woman's jewel, female 
wisdom is born from the evil one." "The 
female qualities are four, ignorance, fear, 
shame, and impunity." "To a woman disclose 
not a secret." From this it is quite easy to 
see the original position of woman, which was 
that of a slave. She could not hold property 
or engage in business, but was subject to the 
will and pleasure of her lord and master, her 
husband. 

If unmarried, a woman was under the con- 
trol of powerful relatives who could do with 
her as they desired. She was bought and sold 
as property. If married, she was considered 



The Religion of Odd Fellowship 87 

the property of her husband rather than a 
helpmeet and wife. She was held in contempt, 
and could not exercise any civil or public of- 
fice. 

In law, in former times, a woman was com- 
pletely dependent. In the Mosaic law divorce 
was a privilege of the husband only. The vow 
of a woman might be disallowed by her father 
or husband. A daughter could inherit only in 
the absence of sons, and then must marry in 
her tribe. The guilt or innocence of a wife 
accused of adultery might be determined by 
the ordeal of the bitter water. 

In India, subjection was the cardinal prin- 
ciple. In Hindu law, as well as in Roman and 
English, women had only limited rights of in- 
heritance, and were disqualified as witnesses. 

The conditions above portrayed still prevail 
in many nations. Men look upon women as 
being weaker than man, and therefore unable 
to cope with him in the daily transactions of 
life. 

Christianity gave woman a place in the 
world. She is no longer held in contempt, but 
is considered as the equal of man. Not until 
the coming of Christ and the Christian religion 



88 The Religion of Odd Fellowship 

was she given her rightful place or estimated 
at her real worth. Christianity recognizes her 
rightful position, brings her from behind the 
door, and places her by the side of her husband 
as his helpmeet and counselor. 

Every woman ought to be profoundly grate- 
ful to her Creator that Jesus Christ came into 
the world and gave her the exalted position 
that she is permitted to occupy to-day. She 
is a queen among men. She is more highly 
respected by intelligent and right-thinking men 
than is man himself. She is given every con- 
sideration in every avenue of life. She is no 
longer counted a slave or the property of a 
husband. If any class ought to appreciate the 
religion of Jesus Christ more than another, it 
is the women, who have been benefited by it 
more than any other class. It found her a 
serf and exalted her to be a queen. It saw 
her despised and ridiculed, looked upon with 
contempt, but its gentle influence has so trans- 
formed life and environment that she is loved, 
respected, and honored. 

We hear a great deal about the rights of 
woman. Should she be given the ballot? 
Should she hold public office? These are per- 



The Religion of Odd Fellowship 89 

tinent questions; questions of moment and 
concern to all who have the interests of the 
home and state at heart. I do not understand 
why woman should not be given the right of 
the ballot. We give her license to practice 
medicine, dentistry, and law. We regard her 
as able to cope with her brother in everything 
but the right to vote. She holds property and 
pays taxes, and this ought to give her complete 
citizenship. 

If women come into power and are given 
the right to vote, some of our giant evils will 
be eliminated. Woman can preach, write, 
teach, practice medicine, surgery, law, or keep 
a set of books as successfully as man. Why 
cannot she vote as well, and with as great a 
degree of intelligence? She can. Give her 
an opportunity, and she will prove it. 

While every woman should exercise all the 
rights of citizenship, the women of this coun- 
try already occupy the most exalted place in 
the world. No position is more important 
than that of being a mother. The mother 
wields the mightiest influence, and, in view of 
this, she should not lose sight of the most im- 
portant of all missions. To be a home-maker 



90 The Religion of Odd Fellowship 

and the instructor of boys and girls is greater 
than being queen of the greatest country the 
world ever knew. 

For many years it was held that women 
should not be admitted to secret societies, but 
the ban has been lifted to a certain extent. 
Nearly every secret society has made provision 
for the admission of women by the organiza- 
tion of an auxiliary. The Rebekah degree of 
Odd Fellowship fills a long-felt need, gives to 
women a splendid field for work and cultiva- 
tion. The rapid growth of this society is 
evidence of its favorable recognition. All 
the good things that have been said about the 
Independent Order of Odd Fellows apply 
with equal force to the Rebekah degree, be- 
cause it is a part of Odd Fellowship and is 
accomplishing a noble work. In many in- 
stances, through the persistency of the Re- 
bekah s, orphans' homes have been provided 
and other good work done. 

The Rebekahs cannot be praised too highly 
or commended too warmly for the part they 
have had in the achievements of Odd Fellow- 
ship. The objects of this degree are as fol- 
lows : 



The Religion of Odd Fellowship 91 

To aid in the establishment and maintenance 
of homes for aged or indigent Odd Fellows 
and their wives, or for the widows of deceased 
Odd Fellows; and homes for the care, educa- 
tion, and support of orphans of deceased Odd 
Fellows. 

To visit the sick, relieve the distressed, and 
in every way to assist subordinate and sister 
Rebekah lodges in kindly ministrations to the 
families of Odd Fellows who are in trouble or 
want. 

To cultivate and extend the social and fra- 
ternal relations of life among the lodges and 
the families of Odd Fellows. 

The need of an organization like the Re- 
bekah degree was felt very keenly among 
women, and it has supplied an important social 
feature in the life of many. Some have in- 
sisted that the need of such a society was even 
greater among women than men. 

The world has experienced a double stand- 
ard of morality, one for men, the other for 
women. This is radically wrong, and should 
be eliminated from society. Many have urged 
that, to a great extent, women are responsible 
for this prevailing condition, and some hold 



92 The Religion of Odd Fellowship 

that it will continue to exist until womankind 
brings about a better atmosphere and a closer 
and more Christlike relationship among her 
own sex. Women have been accused of being 
more charitably inclined toward men who have 
sinned than they are toward a fallen sister. 

The world would be much happier if there 
were a more genuine love for those who have 
fallen by the wayside, and if a greater desire 
to rescue and save such were manifested. 
Rebekah Odd Fellowship seeks to demonstrate 
to the fallen, the weak, and downtrodden that 
there are higher and better things in life. None 
is better able to carry messages of joy and 
happiness than woman. 

The lessons taught by the lives of Rebekah, 
Deborah, and Miriam bring an inspiration and 
enthusiasm to go out into the world and do 
greater things for fallen humanity. A woman 
cannot be initiated into this order without 
learning to be more appreciative, more sociable, 
and more charitable. 

Critics have drawn some startling pictures 
portraying the life, work, and character of the 
lodge woman. The world has been told how 
the lodge will disrupt the home, alienate the 



The Religion of Odd Fellowship 93 

affections of wives and mothers, and eventu- 
ally result in all that is bad. This is far from 
the truth. Nothing connected with the Re- 
bekah degree has a tendency to cause women 
to love their homes, husbands, and children 
less, but many lessons are taught which cause 
the candidate to feel greater responsibility in 
every work committed to her care. These 
sublime lessons inculcate a veneration for all 
that is beautiful, noble, and righteous. 

The lesson of hope bids us remember that 
this world is not our abiding place, and to look 
beyond its cares to a city where all is pure and 
righteous. The lesson of industry teaches us 
to employ our time in building a character that 
the Grand Master of heaven shall be pleased 
to pronounce worthy to enter into that holy 
place. Rebekahs have done a great work thus 
far, and the world looks upon them with 
greater favor than ever. Let them retain the 
lessons of fidelity and vigilance, and bear in 
mind that they teach one to employ the best 
means at command to improve social condi- 
tions, ever remembering that they are traveling 
to that undiscovered country from whose 
bourn no traveler returns. 



94 The Religion of Odd Fellowship 

What is the good of the Rebekah degree? 
This question is asked quite frequently by 
those who do not know the intention and object 
of this society. Those on the inside, who know 
the work and object of this lodge, will bear 
out the assertion that one of the chief things 
accomplished for the individual is the social 
and educational development derived from the 
meetings. Many organizations are at work to 
better social conditions among women. Scores 
of clubs and societies have for their object the 
social improvement of their membership ; but 
there are few, if any, that compare with the 
Rebekahs in this ideal. The social functions 
of the lodge cannot be overlooked, nor the 
good coming from it discounted. The socials, 
banquets, and special meetings have a good 
effect in bringing neighbors together and creat- 
ing a bond of unity, harmony, and friendship 
seldom experienced outside of the work of the 
fraternity. A warmer or more cordial wel- 
come than is extended in the social functions 
of a Rebekah lodge is never experienced any- 
where. 

The work of the Rebekah degree also gives 
a woman a greater and clearer vision of her 



The Religion of Odd Fellowship 95 

responsibilities and her duties to society. The 
good Book teaches us that people perish be- 
cause of the lack of knowledge. Some fail 
to do their duty because they do not know 
what is required. If the work of the lodge 
will help any one to a clearer vision of her 
duty, it is doing a work worth while. 

The Rebekah degree teaches the necessity 
of caring for the widow and orphan, visiting 
the sick, administering to the necessities of the 
afflicted and distressed, and burying the dead. 
Its teaching about love, charity, benevolence, 
and belief in God are just as fundamental as 
in a Subordinate lodge. 

Nothing in the work of a Rebekah lodge 
will mar the character of any one. Its objects 
and ideals cannot fail to make women more 
charitable and better fit them to accomplish 
the work expected of every woman. 

Sister Rebekahs, be courageous, faithful, 
and zealous. Ever hold your splendid organ- 
ization in high regard and esteem, but do not 
forget that back of everything else must exist 
that genuine love for one another, without 
which it is impossible to please Him who is 
the author of every good and perfect gift. 



96 The Religion of Odd Fellowship 

Strive earnestly, by every legitimate means pos- 
sible, to bring your society into more favorable 
notice. Rest assured that the great God of 
the universe approves of your noble work, and 
at the last day will reward you for all the good 
you have accomplished. 



CHAPTER VIII. 
PATRIARCHAL ODD FELLOWSHIP 

THE work of the Subordinate and Re- 
bekah lodges seems difficult to equal, 
much less surpass in beauty and gran- 
deur, in impressiveness and sublimity; but the 
degrees conferred in the Patriarchal branch 
of Odd Fellowship are more beautiful and im- 
pressive than those of the Subordinate lodge. 
Odd Fellowship is progressive in its char- 
acter. The obligations of each degree become 
more firm and binding and tend to impress the 
candidate more and more with his duty and 
responsibility toward his family, country, and 
society in general. This branch of the order 
not only embraces and teaches all the good 
features of the lower degrees, but goes more 
deeply into the subject and teaches lessons of 
more importance, and those calculated to reach 
the heart and influence the entire life. Many 
noble principles are taught in this branch of 
the order. 



98 The Religion of Odd Fellowship 

One of these principles is hospitality. Gen- 
uine hospitality ought to have a place in every 
life. To be hospitable, generous, and kind is 
a good recommendation to any one. The Holy 
Bible teaches very plain lessons about hospi- 
tality. These principles inspire and encourage 
a man to be all that he ought to be before God 
and his fellowman. After having received the 
lessons of the Patriarchal branch of Odd Fel- 
lowship a man cannot fail to be more apprecia- 
tive and always will be more considerate of 
the rights of others. 

Another lesson in this work is self-denial. 
We are taught the righteousness of denying 
ourselves of some of the pleasurable things in 
this life that we may be able to help our less- 
fortunate brother or sister to higher and nobler 
things. Nothing is more commendable than 
that spirit of self-denial which characterizes 
the life of every true Christian. 

In many of the larger cities multiplied thou- 
sands are deprived of pleasure, happiness, and 
everything else that would bring them content- 
ment and encouragement. Others are more 
fortunate, abundantly blessed, many of whom 
cannot make use of all their possessions. Can 



The Religion of Odd Fellowship 99 

anything be more Christlike than a disposition 
to do or say something or give something of 
ourselves to help those who are deprived of 
the good things in this life? This branch of 
Odd Fellowship admonishes us ever to be will- 
ing to share anything with our brother that 
we may possess which will increase his happi- 
ness and give him needed comfort. Surely, 
this is the spirit of Christ. When such prin- 
ciples are exemplified in the degree work, men 
take cognizance of them and appreciate them 
as never before. 

Selfishness is one of the great sins, one that 
must be eliminated before we can be Christ's 
own disciples. Men must learn that this life 
is given us that it may become a blessing to 
others. 

To be hospitable, generous, and kind is to 
be like Christ. The Bible teaches these divine 
principles. This has been the means of mak- 
ing strong, untiring, and never-ceasing friend- 
ships. Every man has a mission, and the 
sooner he can fully realize this the better it 
will be for him. Our mission is to be servants 
of the King of Glory, to be colaborers with 
him in the evangelization of this world, to go 



100 The Religion of Odd Fellowship 

out and lift up the fallen and perishing, to do 
good unto all men everywhere, to be a father 
unto the orphan, to be Christ's personal repre- 
sentative in the world. Certainly, no greater 
honor or blessing can come to any one than to 
know that he personally represents Christ, and 
to feel a personal responsibility in humanity. 

Any member of this order who is possessed 
of a spirit of selfishness is not a good Patri- 
arch. This sin must be eliminated from his 
life. Every Odd Fellow should bear in mind 
that the teaching of this order is intended to 
edify man and to show him his duty to his 
fellowman. 

A most difficult thing is to practice submis- 
sion, and yet it is one of the Christian graces 
which shines with the greatest brilliance. 
Jesus submitted to ill treatment, persecution, 
mockery, jesting, scourging, and crucifixion 
without uttering a word of complaint or con- 
demnation. He is our example, the great 
pattern after which we should endeavor to 
mold our character. 

It is better to tolerate, better to submit, than 
to retaliate. It is better to suffer seeming 
defeat than to achieve success and gain victory 



The Religion of Odd Fellowship 101 

dishonestly. The word compulsion does not 
belong to the vocabulary of the Christian, but 
submission is a golden word that only the truly 
righteous man can define properly. He knows 
its meaning, its influence, and its beauty. He 
realizes the victories it helps him achieve in 
his own life. Victory over self is the greatest 
victory. The man who has really conquered 
self has overcome his most dangerous antag- 
onist and enemy. The greatest lesson that 
men need to learn is that of self-control. If 
we can control self, our own temper and 
passions, we need fear no difficulty in the bat- 
tles, problems, and perplexities in our earthly 
pilgrimage. A well-balanced, properly-con- 
trolled mind and body is the greatest possible 
asset. The underlying lessons taught in Pa- 
triarchal Odd Fellowship are those regarding 
man's mastery of himself. The object of every 
church, college, library, and society should be 
to teach self-mastery. If Odd Fellowship 
fails here, it fails in one of its greatest under- 
takings. The complete mastery of self is a 
greater victory than the taking of a city. 
Brother, strive to subdue the passions of your 



102 The Religion of Odd Fellowship 

own nature, and yon will accomplish one of 
the most commendable things. 

This life is represented as a battle. We 
wage a war against sin, vice, and wickedness 
of every character. From early life until we 
are buried we are in the thick of the battle 
fighting for right. In all our conflicts let us 
ever remember that self-mastery is the most 
important personal achievement. If self is 
completely conquered other enemies vanish. 

Forgiveness is another important lesson 
taught in this work. It is impossible for us 
to lead the right kind of life and hold aught 
against our brother. Odd Fellowship recog- 
nizes this truth and seeks to have every mem- 
ber practice forgiveness. Jesus taught his 
disciples to say, "Forgive us our debts as we 
forgive our debtors." In that greatest of all 
sermons he taught: "If thou bring thy gift to 
the altar, and there rememberest that thy 
brother hath ought against thee; leave there 
thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first 
be reconciled to thy brother, and then come 
and offer thy gift." 

Odd Fellowship does not believe or teach 
that the grave ends all. It believes that there 



The Religion of Odd Fellowship 103 

is something better for men than the things 
afforded in the earth life. We are taught to 
make preparation for a higher life yet to be 
revealed to all who walk uprightly and serve 
the King acceptably. This life is given us to 
make preparation for that nobler life which is 
to be given to all who serve their God and fel- 
lowmen while living on the earth. Every day 
should be utilized in preparing for heaven with 
all its beauty and grandeur. Soon we must 
leave this world. Are we prepared for that 
better country? 



CHAPTER IX. 
THE FUTURE OF ODD FELLOWSHIP 

EVERY Odd Fellow ought to feel proud 
to be connected with an institution 
which fills a long-felt want, and which 
is doing such a noble work. Its achievements 
ought to excite the ambition of every member 
to promote the interests of fraternity. It is 
interesting to be on the winning side, to gain 
victory and achieve success, to build up a mag- 
nificent business, to be a member of a pros- 
perous enterprise that is well known and rec- 
ognized as being on a solid foundation. This 
may be said of Odd Fellowship. It is now 
on a safe foundation, and is more prosperous 
than ever before. It is going from victory to 
victory. Notwithstanding the criticism and 
opposition encountered, Odd Fellowship has 
a bright future, and it will have a more mar- 
velous growth. It is destined to become the 
largest institution of its kind in the world, and 
will continue to bring the best and most hon- 
orable men into the ranks of its membership. 



The Religion of Odd Fellowship 105 

Odd Fellowship is like a tree planted by the 
river. It is like the stream of life branching 
out into a fuller and deeper expression, and 
all the time giving evidence of something more 
sublime and beautiful. The beauty and sub- 
limity, the power and grandeur, the nobility 
and honor of Odd Fellowship never can be 
appreciated fully by the non-member. A per- 
son must come into real touch with its princi- 
ples and lessons, its initiations and ceremonies, 
in order to comprehend its wxtrth and merit. 

It is not possible for us to outline success- 
fully the future of this society. The only way 
to judge the future is by the past. Judging by 
the past, our vision carries us out into the fu- 
ture as long as time shall endure, and we see 
Odd Fellowship continuing its work. The 
orphan will be cared for, and the widow's heart 
made to sing for joy, and all the work hereto- 
fore done by this order will be continued; but 
more and nobler work will be done in the 
future. 

The work of Odd Fellowship will be an in- 
strument in stirring every other society of like 
nature to a sense of its duty to fallen human- 
ity, and in this manner it will be an agent in 



106 The Religion of Odd Fellowship 

the hand of Almighty God in accomplishing a 
grand work. 

Brother Odd Fellows, let us fully appreciate 
the fact that we are members of a great and 
honorable fraternity, and be proud to wear its 
badge, ever realizing that it will continue to 
do effective and efficient work after our disso- 
lution. It is our duty to believe in this order, 
have faith in it, love it, and sacrifice for it, 
because it seeks the elevation of humanity. 

The tendency in this age is toward the lib- 
eral. Churches are getting closer together 
than ever before. Every possible influence 
should be utilized in the salvation of the 
human family. It does not matter whether 
this is some church or religious denomination, 
creed, or sect ; if it lifts up the fallen and 
perishing, binds up their wounds, and assists 
them on their journey, it is doing good and is 
a servant of the Almighty God. God has 
many servants who are not recognized by 
many people. Thousands are doing the work 
expected and required of Christian men who 
do not have any connection with the church, 
and do not make any profession of religion. It 
is not the intention of the author to assert that 



The Religion of Odd Fellowship 107 

men can live just as good a Christian life 
outside of the church as in it, but, whether in 
the church or out of it, a man can and ought 
to do good to his fellowman as opportunity 
presents. The doing of this good is recognized 
by the Heavenly Father, no difference who 
performs the act, and a reward will be given 
for every righteous deed or act. Many men 
are genuinely Christian who do not sound a 
trumpet before them as they perform good 
deeds. They go about the task earnestly, in a 
consecrated way, without receiving much ap- 
plause from the world, but a record of this 
good work is being kept in heaven, and it will 
not be unnoticed there. Thousands will enter 
into the pearly gate who were not recognized 
as Christians on earth. There is but one 
standard by which a man's Christianity is to 
be measured, and that is strict conformity to 
the will and purpose of the divine Father. If 
this principle is not adhered to by the church 
member and by the lodge member, there is no 
hope for them. There is no future to be held 
out, no eternal life full of joy and bliss. 

Odd Fellowship is doing the part of a good 
Samaritan, and every member who assists in 



108 The Religion of Odd Fellowship 

the work being accomplished throughout the 
world will receive a reward. Critics cannot 
see how Odd Fellows will be rewarded for the 
work they do, but the Heavenly Father whom 
we serve is just and will not fail to consider 
every influence that has had a tendency to help 
his sons and daughters to higher ideals, pur- 
poses, and duties. This the fraternity seeks 
to do, and it will not perish from the earth, but 
will continue to sow good seed and do good 
unto all men everywhere. How can we think 
of Odd Fellowship discontinuing its noble 
work of love and mercy? How can we imag- 
ine it surrendering and retreating from the 
battlefield? How can we think of it giving 
up the struggle? 

Will Odd Fellowship continue to grow, or 
will it eventually serve its purpose and then 
be dissolved? The day will never come when 
this great institution will cease to operate, or 
when men will have no confidence in it. As 
men and women become more intelligent and 
more liberal in thought, this order will get a 
warmer place in their hearts and lives. It will 
meet with more popular favor and a heartier 
cooperation, and thus will be better able to 



The Religion of Odd Fellowship 109 

promulgate its work. There is no reasonable 
argument in favor of the discontinuance of 
Odd Fellowship. There is just as much com- 
mon sense in advocating the discontinuance of 
the church as there is in the advocacy of the 
uselessness of this great fraternal organiza- 
tion. Men who have vision and can see 
clearly the need of the age do not hesitate to 
say that there will be a greater call for the 
work of this organization in the future. As 
the world grows richer and more populous, 
men become more self-centered, more egotistic 
and selfish. Because of this, an institution 
will be needed to get men together and help 
them to mutual acquaintanceship, to break 
down the boundaries of self -centered lives and 
thus bring them to a common level and equal- 
ity. No other institution is better able to 
accomplish this purpose than the Independent 
Order of Odd Fellows. Critics might as well 
try to level the mountain of time, to reason 
out of existence the eternal truth of righteous- 
ness and the belief in the Fatherhood of God, 
as to try to eliminate the institution of Odd 
Fellowship or any other secret society. This 
great society was born because it was a neces- 



110 The Religion of Odd Fellowship 

sity, and it will continue as long as the neces- 
sity of fraternal relations is felt among men. 

Odd Fellowship has had a splendid effect 
upon all who have been brought into touch 
with its principles. If this order had a baneful 
effect upon society, the home, and the church, 
there would be sufficient argument to convince 
us that it is a menace and ought to be discon- 
tinued. Each year marks a more favorable 
reception accorded the secret society. Instead 
of this being a bad omen, as some claim, it is 
a good one. The more instrumentalities and 
agencies we have at command to bring about 
the golden age of peace and tranquillity, the 
more rapidly this age will be ushered in and 
all mankind be brought to a perfect realization 
of domestic, social, and religious ascendency. 

If Odd Fellowship can aid in the complete 
development of humanity, the edification of 
men and women, the destruction of supersti- 
tion, vice, and dishonesty, it has a perfect right 
to survive, and can look with some degree of 
pride to the future, anticipating the pleasure 
of gathering a golden harvest, and being recog- 
nized as an important factor in the battles, 
perplexities, and discouragements of the world ; 



The Religion of Odd Fellowship 111 

and it may be looked upon as having much to 
do with making the burdens of this life easier 
to bear. 

In its short history, Odd Fellowship has 
experienced a marvelous growth. It scarcely 
seems possible that an organization less than 
one hundred years old could grow to such 
magnitude in so short a time. Less than a 
century ago, Thomas Wildey, with five asso- 
ciates, organized Odd Fellowship in the United 
States. It is to be supposed that none of 
these men anticipated that the order would 
grow to such proportions, and would wield 
such influence for good. Small beginnings 
often have resulted in marvelous achievements. 

The founders of American Odd Fellowship 
ded better than they knew. While they 
have passed to their reward, the influence of 
their lives continues, and will go down to many 
generations. It is better to have erected to 
one's memory such an organization as Odd 
Fellowship than to sleep beneath a mountain 
of marble having chiseled upon it epitaphs and 
eulogies telling of greatness. Odd Fellowship, 
the monument erected to the memory of 



/ t often 

bullae 



<K 



112 The Religion of Odd Fellowship 

Thomas Wildey, is more permanent than gran- 
ite, more enduring than the pyramids. 

Many who have enjoyed great honor and 
popularity, but who achieved little, sleep be- 
neath a great shaft of granite. In many in- 
stances there is nothing back of the life in 
whose memory this shaft was planted, and if 
it were not for this memorial there would be 
nothing to preserve the memory of these men. 

In history see how true this is. Ahab, with 
his courtly magnificence, is gone; Elijah lives. 
Babylon, with its monarchs, its temples, its 
palaces, and its monuments, has departed ; 
Daniel lives. The monument of Odd Fellow- 
ship is more enduring than the sphinx. An 
influence cannot rise which will efface the 
work of this institution from the memory of 
the world. 

This order will exert its beneficent influence 
upon mankind until Christ is crowned Lord 
of all and rules supremely over the world, 
when all nations will be one, and all divisions 
and classifications of society be discontinued. 
Odd Fellowship shall reign until the millen- 
nium dawn, and be among the first to take up 



The Religion of Odd Fellowship 113 

the glad and joyous refrain, singing hallelu- 
jahs unto Him who has conquered all things. 

Until the end of time, generations will wit- 
ness Odd Fellowship extending its borders 
and permeating the entire world with the 
teaching of friendship, love, and truth. It 
never shall cease to propagate its noble lessons. 

The elimination of this fraternity would be 
a real disaster. We cannot think of Odd 
Fellowship ceasing to be. Only now is it 
beginning to do its most effective and telling 
work. Its equipment, prestige, and honorable 
history will be the means of the accomplish- 
ment of a greater and nobler work in the 
future. An institution that does something of 
real worth for humanity is destined to survive 
and continue its work of edifying and encour- 
aging all with whom it comes in contact. 

At the present time, no argument, of what- 
ever character, would be sufficient to justify 
the discontinuance of secret societies. There 
is a greater need for the secret society to-day 
than ever. The complexity of society, social 
environment, and the natural tendency and 
inclination of man make these institutions nec- 
essary. 



114 The Religion of Odd Fellowship 

The nature and disposition of man and the 
present status of society must be changed when 
the lodge is doomed to annihilation. This 
never will come to pass until the kingdom of 
God shall prevail over all ; and the lodge shall 
reign until then. 

It is impossible to compute the good that 
Odd Fellowship has accomplished. Figures 
and statistics cannot be taken into considera- 
tion w T hen dealing with character, life, and the 
principles of right living. Xo mathematical 
calculation can tell the good effect that Odd 
Fellowship has had upon the world. Its 
teaching of the great and essential principles 
of religion are far more important than dollars 
and cents, and for this reason the order is 
elected to remain a potent factor for good and 
righteousness. Principle does not perish ; 
men die, but principle survives. So it will 
be with Odd Fellowship. Its membership 
will depart, but the order will remain and 
continue to do its work. There is no greater 
satisfaction than comes from the realization 
that one has given some part of his life to a 
worthy institution which will live after he has 
gone. 



The Religion of Odd Fellowship 115 

One thing might make Odd Fellowship un- 
necessary — the banishment of sickness and 
disease, suffering, sorrow, heartache, and 
death. Guarantee that men will live without 
these afflictions and inconveniences, and this 
fraternity will not be necessary. But as long 
as men suffer and die Odd Fellowship will 
continue to perform its mission of love and 
mercy, and will keep on winning its way into 
the hearts of men. 

Every Odd Fellow and Sister Rebekah who 
have lived faithfully and performed their sev- 
eral obligations, and ever have kept in mind 
the noble tenets of the order, may lie down in 
peace, resting assured that they have accom- 
plished some good. 

The future of Odd Fellowship is secure. 
The prospects are brighter than ever before, 
and this beloved fraternity is destined to 
achieve greater victories and accomplish more 
good in the future than it has been able to do 
in the past. Its work is only in its infancy. 



SEP 6 .1912 



